Research into artificial intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) research programme is one of the most important key technologies – with considerable opportunities for science, industry and society. The BMBF’s AI funding programme aims to further develop the technology, translate it into concrete economic and social benefits and provide the necessary skills and infrastructure.

Development in the field of AI is rapid. The enormous increase in the performance of AI systems and their broad use in various fields of application offer great opportunities for science, business and society. At the same time, the rapid developments in AI and the new forms of individual use pose new challenges for society.

For the BMBF, one thing is clear: AI is a key technology and as such the starting point for numerous developments, innovations and products. As a widely applicable tool, it harbours enormous opportunities for science, growth, prosperity, competitiveness and added value for society. The BMBF considers the provision of AI tools, AI expertise and AI infrastructure to be part of public services. Technological sovereignty in AI must be secured. Germany and Europe should take a leading position in a world ‘Powered by AI’. The BMBF wants to further improve the framework conditions for this.

AI action plan research programme
As a key driver within the Federal Government, the BMBF has been investing considerable funds in AI for years and has thus implemented important initiatives. In doing so, it has created an excellent basis for the German AI ecosystem. The AI Action Plan aims to take this commitment to the next level of quality. The BMBF has set itself the following overarching goals:

Data, computing capacities, skilled labour and research are the central elements for the development and use of AI. The BMBF is strengthening and dovetailing the basic building blocks of AI.
The BMBF is striving for even more targeted European cooperation and is stepping up coordination within the European Research Area.
We are consciously prioritising areas with a focus on concrete economic and social benefits. We want to be at the forefront in the fields of robotics, health, education and AI start-ups.
Federal government’s AI strategy Research programme
On 15 November 2018, the Federal Cabinet adopted the Federal Government’s strategy on artificial intelligence (AI strategy). The aim of the strategy is to strengthen Germany’s position in the research, development and application of AI in international competition. The federal government intends to provide a total of five billion euros for the implementation of the AI strategy by 2025. In the federal budgets for 2019, 2020 and 2021, an additional 500 million euros each were made available for AI funding, and a further two billion euros in the economic stimulus and future package.

AI action plan research programme
As a key driver within the German government, the BMBF has been investing considerable funds in AI for years and has thus implemented important initiatives. In doing so, it has created an excellent basis for the German AI ecosystem. The AI Action Plan aims to take this commitment to the next level of quality. The BMBF has set itself the following overarching goals:

Data, computing capacities, skilled labour and research are the central elements for the development and use of AI. The BMBF is strengthening and dovetailing the basic building blocks of AI.
The BMBF is striving for even more targeted European cooperation and is stepping up coordination within the European Research Area.
We are consciously prioritising areas with a focus on concrete economic and social benefits. We want to be at the forefront in the fields of robotics, health, education and AI start-ups.
Federal government’s AI strategy Research programme
On 15 November 2018, the Federal Cabinet adopted the Federal Government’s strategy on artificial intelligence (AI strategy). The aim of the strategy is to strengthen Germany’s position in the research, development and application of AI in international competition. The federal government intends to provide a total of five billion euros for the implementation of the AI strategy by 2025. In the federal budgets for 2019, 2020 and 2021, an additional 500 million euros each were made available for AI funding, and a further two billion euros in the economic stimulus and future package.